Adam Lambert on AMA Performance: I Got Carried Away

He's sticking to his belief that there's a double standard for provocative men versus provocative women - but he's also acknowledging that he went too far Sunday night at the American Music Awards.

"I admit, I did get carried away, but I don't see anything wrong with it," he said on The Early Show today. "I do see how people got offended and that was not my intention. My intention was just to interpret the lyrics to my song and have a good time up there."

Lambert added that he "can understand" why parents are upset. But "[children] didn't cross my mind," he said. "It was almost 11 o'clock. It was a nighttime show. I was there in the audience full of mostly adults."

It was also a network show, something Adam should have considered before he grinded his crotch into a dancer's face.

But he says he was overwhelmed by a feeling of just wanting to "let loose." He's also well aware that his music and his antics aren't for everyone, adding:

"Like Idol, I have the tendency to divide people. You either like it or you don't."

You gotta admit: it's refreshing to hear an artist not cater to the common denominator; or change who he is because some people might be uncomfortable.

While acknowledging the criticism that's come his way, Lambert also repeated his belief that if "a female pop performer [did] the moves... there would have been nearly as much of an outrage."

In fact, Janet Jackson grabbed a male dancer's crotch earlier in the night! Where is the controversy over that?!?

"I didn't hear one peep about that," he said, stating why he thinks people have responded so negatively toward him: "I am a gay male."

Has your opinion on the performance changed? What did you think of it?

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I honestly think that's hot as hell. But honestly, its stupid that women can do what they want with other women and its apparently wrong when a male does it to another male. Its discrimination. So gays are wrong but lesbians aren't? That doesn't make sense. Seriously people, get over it. There's nothing wrong with this.

chelsie Rae•December 06, 2009 01:46

Now listen. My views on this are that if Lady Gaga Brittney Spears Madonna Avril or anyone else done it it would have made a news story break out but nothing like this. I dont see why women can do what they want with other women and it be 'hott' but when guys do things with other guys it becomes a problem. I understand its not 'gods plan' but hell nothing going on right now is gods plan and gay a bisexuality is sure as hell should be at the bottem of the worry list right now. For real. I'm bisexual. My best friend is Gay. three of my friends are bicurious. so wth? Its honestly not a big deal get over it.

Keep those Cards and Letters c•December 01, 2009 04:11

It was a publicity stunt! His debut CD is out this week and there is nothing that can move product like a whole bunch of free publicity - especially controversy! Adam is laughing all the way to the bank. Fans and non-fans are such suckers.

SG•November 29, 2009 18:57

Adam is not a middle-of-the-road performer. He doesn't owe an apology to any "fans." While he admits that adrenalin pushed him a little farther than what was originally rehearsed, the fact remains that this is who Adam is as a performer. If you don't like this, if sexy makes you uncomfortable, you won't enjoy seeing him live, because this is what you're going to get. (Me, I love it. Can't wait to see an entire concert of him!) He isn't trying to appeal to everyone, he doesn't need to, and he shouldn't. And it's okay to like his music and not want to watch him perform. Just don't expect him to play to the middle, because you're probably going to be disappointed every time.

Alekos Korallis•November 29, 2009 05:14

Dear Adam, You are fantastic, you are an artist, you are real (in this crazy unreal world), you are beautiful, you have the guts to be yourself and you have a sensational, gorgeous, sexy voice. Keep it up...love ya'..............Aleko. November 29th, 2009

highadobe@ Alekos Korallis•February 06, 2014 04:45

Are you THE Aleko Korallis from way back when??

Rowan S•November 28, 2009 10:40

Adam has never hidden who he is and what type of performer he wants to be. He was grabbing on men and women - very Madonnaesque - in her numbers, she kisses men and women, has topless dancers slithering around, simulates masturbation, etc, etc. I thought the song was edgy and his performance was hot. I'm a 30+ woman from the South and DO NOT find him offensive - instead, he's very sexy! There are these great new options on TV remotes called channel changers and power buttons - turn it off if you don't want to see it. Otherwise, keep your small-minded judgmental comments inside your itty brain - I'm sure there's plenty of room in all that wasted space!

Tyhannie Plassmeyer•November 28, 2009 00:04

Adam, you were great, your sexy know matter what you do! Keep your head up. You will get pass this...

He has no need to apologize for anything! He is absolutly right its because he's a gay male and society still cannot accept that

Anne•November 27, 2009 14:15

He has an amazing voice even though it was not his best performance vocally. Still this would not be an issue if he weren't a gay man. The AMA's show raunch and sex all the time. Ex. Janet Jackson, Madonna etc. It is sad that there is still so much homophobia out there. Even if I didn't like his singing it is not right to have a double standard.